Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a lasting record of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can deliver an approximate 3-month timeframe for alcohol and drug detection. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) positioned nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a corresponding amount of body hair can be procured. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in lab processing of drug test outcomes comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. It involves verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid examination for substance use. While it is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use for most samples, a confirmed secondary check is necessary for court admissibility if an initial positive is indicated. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening undergo further confirmation.
In instances of presumptive positivity during Screening, more hair from the original specimen is processed for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of positive screenings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is regulated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Westport Island, ME, hair follicle drug testing outperforms traditional urine tests. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability stem from a longer detection window, allowing the identification of drug use up to 90 days prior. This broader overview offers a comprehensive assessment, proving its efficacy against conventional methods like urine testing.
Westport Island, ME, benefits from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. Employers receive a thorough understanding of an individual's drug use history, up to 90 days prior, enabling better-informed decisions. This longer period of analysis clearly outlines past substance usage, offering a panoramic view of the user's history.
Hair follicle testing in Westport Island, ME, significantly diminishes the possibility of sample adulteration. This method delivers reliable and conclusive outcomes, ensuring the collection process remains tamper-resistant. Companies can trust hair follicle tests to provide uncontested results, securing them against manipulated samples.
Our nationwide network of testing centers offers unmatched convenience for Westport Island, ME residents. This expansive reach ensures hassle-free access to drug testing services, guaranteeing swift and straightforward experiences for all clients. Local availability removes barriers to obtaining necessary tests quickly.
In Westport Island, ME, the straightforward and confidential process of hair follicle testing addresses concerns about privacy and usability. From ordering to receiving results, each stage is designed for ease, ensuring a worry-free experience. Our transparent yet discreet methods prioritize user confidentiality throughout.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround, our hair follicle testing services in Westport Island, ME provide excellent value. Clients of all sizes can enjoy cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality or speed. Our approach ensures rapid results, fulfilling the demands of businesses seeking efficient testing services.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests deliver unmatched accuracy in Westport Island, ME. With their ability to identify substance use over an extended period, these tests provide quick and reliable outcomes. Their high accuracy makes them a preferable choice for employers seeking dependable results in identifying drug use amongst employees or applicants.
For employers in Westport Island, ME, hair follicle testing ensures alignment with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal hazards and boosting workplace safety. This approach enhances compliance and ensures a secure and productive environment, offering peace of mind to employers concerning their drug testing practices.